A notable setback in these promotion playoffs highlighted the rising Castilla goalkeeper as someone who could one day wear Real Madrid’s first-team jersey.
Mario deLuis’s season at Real Madrid Castilla has been one of the standout stories this campaign, even though the chapter is not entirely finished. He didn’t start as the club’s first-choice keeper, yet an ankle-saving stretch at a crucial moment changed the trajectory. From that point on, he emerged as Raúl’s preferred shot-stopper, earning trust with every decisive stop and fearless display between the posts.
Over 34 appearances he kept 13 clean sheets and conceded 30 goals, a pace that translates to well under a goal per game. Statistics tell part of the tale, but anyone who watched Castilla week after week understood that the true value lay in the moments deLuis produced—crucial saves that kept points coming for a side fighting to climb the table. Even when he wasn’t the starter from the outset, his impact was undeniable, and his presence provided a steadying influence for the defense.
At present, Mario watches from the stands as teammates push toward the goal they’ve pursued all season, while a fibula injury keeps him sidelined during the playoffs. He will not feature in these decisive matches, yet the campaign has earned him real credibility within the club, which has publicly congratulated him on a remarkable run and extended his contract through 2025. The club now envisions him returning as Castilla’s regular starter next season, if legal and medical timelines align.
The future also involves Andriy Lunin. If the Ukrainian option departs Real Madrid, the spot next to Thibaut Courtois would come open again. A move to reinforce the position in the transfer market remains a plausible path, yet Mario’s breakout at the age of 21 has positioned him as a serious internal contender. There is even talk that he might join the first team for the summer pre-season in the United States. Recovery permitting, and with Carlo Ancelotti weighing his options, deLuis could be part of the travel squad when the tour begins after July 10. Lunin’s future and the coach’s assessment will shape his chances, but the season he’s had provides strong rationale for consideration.
Cited by Goal.